A weekend that is being touted as a feel-good fixture, the return of Swans defender Alex Johnson and debut of Saints speedster Nathan Freeman highlight a heartwarming round of footy.
In honour of the round, we have put together a best 22 of players that have overcome significant injury, scrutiny or hardship of any kind - the best feel-good stories in football today.
Here is Zero Hanger's best 22 feel-good stories of players currently in the league:
Interchange
Aaron vandenBerg (Melbourne)
Taken as a mature-age pick by the Demons in 2015, Aaron vandenBerg has struggled to stay on the park in recent times. The 26-year old has not played AFL since 2016, but gets his chance against the Suns on the weekend.
Aaron Francis (Essendon)
The young Bomber took an absence from the club at the start of the year to deal with a mental health issue. The former pick six finally returned to the senior team last week against the Swans, gathering 14 disposals in a scintillating Bombers victory.
Lachie Keefe (GWS)
Lachie Keefe missed two years of footy with Josh Thomas after testing positive to a banned substance. After getting delisted for the Pies at the end of last season, Keefe joined the Giants and has proven to be an important depth player amongst an injury crisis.
Mason Cox (Collingwood)
Not even Collingwood supporters thought Mason Cox would be any good when he made his debut in 2015, struggling to clunk chest marks. But he has since proven to be the focal point up forward for a top four side, his highlight being a best-on-ground five-goal performance against Melbourne on the Queen's Birthday.
Best 22: Feel-good stories
B: Alex Johnson, Dale Morris, Tyson Goldsack
HB: Angus Brayshaw, Liam Jones, Brodie Smith
C: Nathan Freeman, Dayne Beams, Brendan Whitecross
HF: Josh Thomas, Jarryd Roughead, Anthony McDonald-Tipingwti
F: Daniel Menzel, Tom Boyd, Billy Gowers
Fol: Toby Nankervis, Tim Kelly, Robbie Gray
I/C: Aaron Vandenberg, Aaron Francis, Lachie Keefe, Mason Cox
